Missing cruise passenger may be suicide

(ANSA) - Genoa, November 9 - Coast Guard cutters and two helicopters fanned out Monday in search of a missing 75-year-old female cruise passenger who failed to disembark in Genoa last night. The passenger, a retired native of Vicenza (not Verona as previously reported) named only as R. R., had boarded the MSC cruise ship Opera in Civitavecchia with a group of friends. Investigators said the passenger had recently found out she was very ill, and have not ruled out suicide or an accidental fall.
    The woman reportedly sent her daughter a text message two night ago saying "Forgive me". Her boyfriend, who was not on the cruise, told investigators he found letters at home in which the missing woman spoke of wanting to kill herself.
    Investigators have seized footage from on-board cameras, and a search is ongoing in the sea off Elba Island, Genoa, La Spezia, and Santa Margherita.